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Western stainless knives are softer and lower in carbon than Japanese stainless knives, they are typically tougher but dull a bit faster. They have a wider range but  sacrifice edge life and working well at fine finishes. Western stainless knives benefit from being left more toothy.

For western stainless knives, we recommend a coarser finish from medium stones, around 1000 grit, then deburred with borachrome on a strop for a more durable, bitey feel. Jinko Aoto (2000-4000) and Naniwa 2000 can also be used if a keener edge is desired, however it might feel slidey sooner than a 1000 grit finish. 

Remember that sometimes a coarse stone is necessary to re-set more heavily dulled (or rounded from a steel) edges. If you have a rounded edge, or it takes more than 5 minutes to get a burr with a medium stone, then a coarser stone is in order.

Keep in mind western stainless steel knives benefit from periodic edge maintenance with a sharpening steel. Feel the edge in an outward motion (pushing across the edge off of the knife face) to feel for a slight bend on the edge; one side will feel smooth and the other a little rough, this is the time to use a steel. Stones are essential to preserve ideal geometry in tandem with regular steeling.

Diamond stone flatteners are best to quickly level out the widest range of stone grits. Some flatteners can leave behind large particulates on medium and finer stones that can leave deep, unexpected scratches. Use your fingers to feel for any malignant grit that needs to be cleaned off. 

Rubberized Cork Strop 13x3x5/16”

Rubberized Cork Strop 13x3x5/16”

$39.72
$39.72
Arashiyama #1000 Whetstone Medium Hard with Natural Grit

Arashiyama #1000 Whetstone Medium Hard with Natural Grit

$59.58
$59.58
Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 400/1000 Grit Combination Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 400/1000 Grit Combination Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

$99.30
$99.30
Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 400 Grit Yellow Marble Hard Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 400 Grit Yellow Marble Hard Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

$73.76
$73.76
Jinzou Aoto (Man-Made) #2000-4000 Medium-Fine Whetstone with Natural Grit

Jinzou Aoto (Man-Made) #2000-4000 Medium-Fine Whetstone with Natural Grit

$82.27
$82.27
Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 1200 Grit Blue Marble Semi-Soft Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 1200 Grit Blue Marble Semi-Soft Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

$104.97
$104.97
Atoma #140 Diamond Stone With Handle

Atoma #140 Diamond Stone With Handle

$184.41
$184.41
Atoma #140 Diamond Stone with Holder

Atoma #140 Diamond Stone with Holder

$181.57
$181.57
Arato-kun #220 Extra Coarse Grit Whetstone

Arato-kun #220 Extra Coarse Grit Whetstone

$48.23
$48.23
Sold Out
Friedr Herder 10 3/8” Round Sharpening Steel Wood Handle

Friedr Herder 10 3/8” Round Sharpening Steel Wood Handle

$69.51
$69.51
F. Dick Balkan 10" Flat Honing Steel - Fine Cut

F. Dick Balkan 10" Flat Honing Steel - Fine Cut

$124.83
$124.83
Sold Out
Naniwa Professional (aka Chosera) 400 Whetstone

Naniwa Professional (aka Chosera) 400 Whetstone

$90.78
$90.78
Sold Out
Naniwa Professional (aka Chosera) 2000 Whetstone

Naniwa Professional (aka Chosera) 2000 Whetstone

$121.99
$121.99
Sold Out
Friedr Herder 12” 1/2” Round Sharpening Steel

Friedr Herder 12” 1/2” Round Sharpening Steel

$97.88
$97.88
Atoma #140 Diamond Stone No Holder

Atoma #140 Diamond Stone No Holder

$148.94
$148.94
Friedr Herder 12” 3/4” Oval Sharpening Steel

Friedr Herder 12” 3/4” Oval Sharpening Steel

$126.25
$126.25
Sold Out
Friedr Herder 12” Round Sharpening Steel Wood Handle 3/8"

Friedr Herder 12” Round Sharpening Steel Wood Handle 3/8"

$78.02
$78.02
Friedr Herder 14” Oval Sharpening Steel

Friedr Herder 14” Oval Sharpening Steel

$140.43
$140.43